From Michelin to Terra Madre: Philippines steps onto global gastronomy stage

The Philippines is positioning itself as a major force in global gastronomy as it hosts the first-ever Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific (TMAP), the regional edition of the world’s largest sustainable food gathering, from 19 to 23 November at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.

The event follows the debut of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines earlier this year and further strengthens the country’s emerging reputation as Asia’s rising culinary capital. Organized in partnership with Slow Food International, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, the City of Bacolod, and key national agencies, Terra Madre Asia & Pacific places the spotlight on Filipino heritage cuisine, agriculture, and community-rooted food systems.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the hosting aligns with the country’s goal of advancing sustainable gastronomy and empowering local food producers.

“This partnership between the DOT and Slow Food for the hosting of the first-ever Terra Madre Asia & Pacific positions Bacolod City, the Negros Island Region, and the Philippines as a vibrant gateway to gastronomy tourism,” Frasco said. “This landmark event brings the world to our tables and into our communities—where every ingredient represents the industry of our people, every dish tells of our proud history, and every meal supports local livelihoods.”

She added that the Philippines continues to build momentum as a food destination: “From the historic arrival of the Michelin Guide to our country’s hosting of the Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific, the Philippines is fast emerging as Asia’s Rising Culinary Capital. With the partnership and support of our stakeholders, we are unlocking opportunities through gastronomy tourism while celebrating our traditions, empowering our food producers, and sharing Filipino culinary excellence with the world.”

A major highlight of the celebration is the DOT-led Slow Food Travel Pavilion, showcasing immersive food experiences from regions including the Cordilleras (Pasil), Metro Manila, Cavite, Cebu, and Western Visayas (Bingawan, Capiz, Boracay). The agency has also organized street food booths representing all regions of the Philippines—including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao—featuring dishes that align with Slow Food principles.

Featuring the theme “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes & Traditions,” Terra Madre Asia & Pacific brings together farmers, fisherfolk, food communities, chefs, policymakers, and advocates from the Asia-Pacific region to advance knowledge-sharing and promote sustainable food systems.

Bacolod City and Negros Occidental serve as a symbolic venue for the global gathering. The province boasts more than 20,000 hectares of agricultural land committed to organic farming, as well as a 32,000-hectare marine reserve that supports sustainable fishing. Its food culture is complemented by a thriving arts and heritage scene, offering what Frasco described as a “unique and cohesive tourist experience.”

Throughout the five-day celebration, culinary showcases, chef-led demonstrations, mixology events, curated travel activities, and community-based cooking programs will reinforce the vital link between tourism and food sustainability. A community market featuring organic farmers and local producers will also allow guests to connect directly with growers and artisans.

Slow Food, founded in Italy in 1989, is a global movement that champions clean, good, and fair food while preserving traditional foodways and highlighting the cultural significance of gastronomy.